I blame the VFFs. Since I started using them, every single shoe feels like a brick, and who likes that?

Right now, I have 11 pairs of running shoes (how many do you have?).  Eleven seems like a lot, more than a lot for a NYC apartment.

My top choice: The VFFs! I have the classics (I don’t like all the new ones, they have way too much stuff in the bottom for my taste: not naked enough, yes I AM a snob!). I am extra careful, so I am still increasing mileage in them very slowly: after 14 months I am up to 7 miles. No long runs in them, no racing, and couldn’t wear them much in the cold (even though the injinjis helped). So I needed other shoes for the rest of the week/winter….

The regular choice: My first running shoe was an Asic 2120, and I’ve been running on them since; but I hate them when they are new (brick!). I have a brand new pair of the 2160 waiting to see the light. I also have the DS trainers 13 I got last year before the NYCM. They have almost 200 miles on them and they still feel like concrete to me -and they gave me blisters in the marathon ;-(

The preferred choice: I have three pairs of old Asics 21XXs. I like them because they’re super beat up. They all have over 500 miles in them so they’re starting to “loosen up”. I wear these mostly for long runs and easy runs. I would sleep in them if they weren’t so disgusting.

The specialized choice: I wear my Nike Lunaracers for short races (10K and under); I love that they are so light. But they’re an oven in the summer: blisters! I also really like the Karhus, they are super light and bendy, the closest I have to the VFFs, and I can use them in the trails with no pain and when it’s muddy! But there’s no support and I am too scared to wear them for runs over 8 miles.

But something had to change. I shouldn’t have to put shoes in the oven.

I am still looking for THE shoe I could rely on for marathons and halfs, something closer to the VFFs but with a bit more cushioning…

I had wanted to try out these shoes since they came out. They were one of the first minimalist shoes out, and still one of the lightests and most minimalist there is. But, unlike the VFF, they LOOK like a shoe so you can wear them in more places (bumpy trails, mud, the gym, etc.). They are so bendy and light it’s ridiculous. It’s VERY EXCITING. I love them already.

This shoe looks like an MBTalmost, but there’s no big heel to strike on so it’s pushing you forward when you walk, per the fulcrum technology. It still feels quite light and might be really helpful to get the foot to break any heel striking habit!

I am in love with this shoe. I attended the “Natural Running Symposium” last week and heard a lot about POSE and comparisons between all differents shoes and running forms. And it seems like this shoe could become my regular long distance option in the future. Ian Adamson (check him out, he’s amazing!!!) fit me the shoe himself. It has these bars in the front you’re basically standing on… it’s a little weird in the beginning. Your heel can’t touch the ground, and it SO makes sense to my VFF addiction! The only thing is that the mesh is quite open so he warned me it would get messy int he trails. I am still really excited.

With a total of 11 shoes, I still have just 1 option for the DC marathon: the DS trainers. I don’t love them but I would not wear a new shoe without more testing, or any of my older Asics.

Hoping to remedy this situation for Chicago/NYC or earlier if possible!!!!